Electrode control system



Oct. 21, 1941. c. c. LEVY 2,259,953

ELECTRODE CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Feb. 21, 1940 2 Sheets$heet l II! )I lid WITNESSES: INVENTOR l 2Z4 ,5 C r7/ Clev'. 1 j n I J D Patented Oct. 21, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE inghouse Electric & Manufacturing C a y,

East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application February 21, 1940, Serial No. 320,122

13Glaims.

My invention relates, generally, to control systems, and it has reference, in particular, to control systems for movable electrodes.

Generally stated, it is an object of my invention to provide an improved control system for movable electrodes which will be readily responsive to changes in the conditions of an associated electrode circuit for maintaining predetermined circuit conditions.

More specifically, it is an object of my-invention to provide for automatically controlling the movement of an electrode by electric discharge means responsive to both current and voltage conditions of the electrode circuit.

Another object of my invention is to provide for controlling the direction and rate of feed of a movable electrode by electric discharge means responsive to the differential between voltages proportional to current and voltage conditions of the electrode circuit and a substantially constant control voltage so as to control the power of the electrode circuit.

A further object of my invention is to provide for controlling a movable electrode to maintain predetermined current and voltage conditionsin an electrode circuit.

' An important object of my invention is to provide for controlling the feed of a movable electrode by grid-controlled electric discharge means responsive to a control voltage which is the resultant of the differential between electromotlve forces responsive to current and voltage conditions in the electrode circuit, and a substantially constant control voltage.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive electric discharge control system for a movable electrode which may be readily manufactured and easily maintained.

Other objects will, in part, be obvious and will, in part, appear hereinafter.

In practicing my invention, a movable electrode, such as used in an arc furnace, an arcwelding system, or the like, may be provided with suitable actuating means for feeding the electrode in opposite directions to strike and maintain an arc in an associated electrode circuit. In order to provide a highly responsive control system for the movable electrode, the operation of the actuating means may be controlled by electric discharge means, the conductivity of which may be controlled by means of control grids. For this purpose, means may be provided for producing variable, opposed electromotlve forces responsive to current and voltage conditions of 55 the electrode circuit, and a control electromotlve force which is substantially constant. By applying these electromotlve forces to the control grids of the electric discharge means in a suitable manner, the operation of the actuating means may be accurately controlled in accordance with the current and voltage conditions of the electrode circuit, for striking and maintaining an electric are under predetermined conditions and maintaining a predetermined power input to the arc.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and scope of my invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description, which may be taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a diagrammatic view of a movable electrode control system embodying the principal features of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a modification of the system of Fig. 1, and ti Fig. 3 is a similar view of a further modifica- Referring particularly to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral Ill may denote generally a movable electrode adapted to strike and maintain an electric arc with the work l2, which may, for example, be positioned in the cupola I of an electric furnace for the purpose of being melted.

The electrode I may be connected to a suitable source of electric power by means of an electrode circuit comprising the conductors I6 and II, a stabilizing reactor l9, and the secondary winding 20 of a power transformer 22, the primary winding 24 of which may be connected to a suitable alternating-current source by means of the conductors 26 and 28. Suitable means, such as the switch 30, may be provided for disconnecting the transformer 22 from the source to deenergize the electrode circuit, and for also deenergizing the control system.

The electrode l0 may be provided with suitable actuating means for feeding it towards and away from the work If, such as, for example, the reversible electrode feed motor 32, having a series field winding 34 and a shunt field winding 36 provided with a rheostat 31 for varying the field current as desired. The armature 38 of the feed motor 32 may be operatively connected for feeding the electrode ill in any suitable manner, such as by means of the feed rolls 40 which engage the electrode.

with a view to automatically controlling the rate of electrode feed, suitable means may be provided for controlling the energization of. the feed Thus, the anodes 48 and 58 of the electric discharge devices 44 and 46, respectively, may be the electrode circuit. If the length of the arc increases from the normal value the differential is additive with respect to the voltage of the resistor 89. When the arc-length decreases, the diflerential becomes negative with respect to the voltage of the control resistor 89.

In order to provide for reversing the direction of electrode feed, suitable means may be utilized connected to the terminals of the secondary winding 54 of a transformer 56, the primary winding 58 of which may be connected to a source of alternating current by the supply con-.

ductors 26 and 28. The cathodes 68 and 82 of the discharge devices may be energized in any manner well-known in the art, and connected'to one side of the armature 38, the other side thereof being connected to a center tap 64 of the secondary winding 54 to provide an energizing circuit for the motor 32.

In order to control the value of the current supplied to the motor 32 through the discharge devices 44 and 46, the control grids 66 and 88 thereof may be connected together and energized in accordance with current and voltage conditions of the electrode circuit. For this purpose, a current transformer I8 having its primary winding connected in the electrode circuit may be provided for applying to suitable rectifying means, such as the rectifying bridge circuit 52, a voltage which is responsive to the current in the electrode circuit. The direct-current terminals of the bridge circuit i2 may be connected to a control resistor 75, so as to apply thereto the said direct-current voltage.

Suitable means, such as the potential transformer 88, which is energized from the electrode circuit, may be utilized in connection with rectifying means such as the rectifying bridge circuit 88, for applying to a control resistor 82 a direct current voltage which is responsive to voltage conditions in the electrode circuit. The control resistors and 82 may be connected to a com- I mon terminal 84 so that the voltages impressed across the resistors are in opposition. Means may also be provided for producing a substantially constant control bias voltage, such' as, for example, the control transformer 86, having a primary winding 81 connected to the supply conductors 26 and 28, and a secondary winding 88 connected to a control resistor 89 through a rectifier circuit 98.

The resistors 15, 82 and 89 may then be connected to apply a control voltage to the grids 66 and 68. The control resistor 89 may, for example, be connected in series circuit relation with the control resistors 82 and I5, so that the voltages of the control resistors 89 and 82 are additive, for applying a control voltage between the control and the cathodes 68 and 62 of the Movable contact members 9|,

discharge devices. 92 and 93 may be employed for making contact with the control resistors 15, 82 and 89 so that the resultant voltage applied to the control grids for reversing the connections of the armature 38 to the electric discharge devices 44 and 46, such as, for example, the reversing switch 94, which is provided with an operating winding 96, normally open contact members 94a and 84c. and normally closed contact members 94b and 94d.

With a view to providing for automatically reversing the direction of electrode feed, the operation of the reversing switch 94 may be controlled in accordance with current conditions in the electrode circuit. For example, the operating winding 88 of a current responsive control relay 99 may be energized in accordance with the current in the electrode circuit by means of a current transformer I88, for effecting the energization of the operating winding 96 of the reversing switch 84 when the current in the electrode circuit exceeds a predetermined value. A manually operable control switch I82 may also .be provided for controlling the energization of the operating winding, 96 so that the feed motor 32 may be reversed at the will of the operator, when desired.

In operation, the switch 38 may be closed to connect the power transformer 22 to the source and efiect the energization of the control transformers 56 and 86. Since there is no current flowing in the electrode circuit at this time, there is no voltage across the control resistor it. The full secondary voltage of the electrode circuit is impressed on the potential transformer 38 so that the voltage across the control resistor 82 is a maximum. A voltage, which is the sum of the voltages across the control resistors 82 and 89 is, accordingly, applied to the control grids 66 and 68 of the discharge devices 84 and 46 through the circuit extending from the control grids 66 and 68 through conductor i84, movable contact 92, control resistor 82, control'resistor I5, movable contact 9|, control resistor 89, movable contact 93, conductor I85, and conductor I86 to the cathodes 68 and 62. The control grids 66 and 68 are, therefore, made positive with respect to the cathodes 68 and 62, and the discharge devices 44 and 46 are thereby alternately rendered conductive when their anodes are positive with respect to their cathodes. A fully rectified direct current is thus supplied to the field windings and armature of the feed motor 32 through the circuit extending from the center tap 64 of the control transformer 56, conductor I88, conductor I89, contact members 94d of the reversing switch .94, current limiting resistor II8, armature 38,

conductor II2, contact members 94b, series field winding 34, conductor II4, conductor I86, cathodes 68 and 62, and anodes 48 and 58 of the discharge devices 44 and 46, respectively, back to the terminals of the secondary winding 54. The

shunt field winding 36 is also thereby energized through conductor I88, rheostat 31, field winding 36 and conductor H4. The feed motor 32 then operates to feed the electrode I8 in the direction of the work I2 at a relatively high speed, as the voltage applied to the control grids 66 and 68 is a maximum.

Upon the engagement of the electrode I8 with the work I2, a relatively large current flows in the electrode circuit, so that the current responsive relay 93 operates to effect the energization of the operating winding 66 of the reversing switch 84 through the normally open contact members 83a. The forward operating circuit of the armature 38 is thereby interrupted by the opening of contact members 34b and 84d, and the reverse operating circuit completed through contact members 94a and 940, so that the feed motor 32 reverses and Withdraws the electrode I from the work I2, producing an arc.

With an increase of arc length the current in the electrode circuit decreases. Upon the reductioh of the arc current to a predetermined value, the current responsive relay 98 returns to the deenergized position, so that the reversing switch 84 operates to reconnect the armature 38 for effecting forward feed of the electrode I0 towards the work I2.

With the flow of current in the electrode circuit, a voltage is produced across the control resistor which opposes the voltages of the control resistors 82 and 89. As the arc voltage varies in the opposite sense to the arc current, the voltage across the control resistor 82 is reduced. The voltage applied to the control grids 66 and 68 and the current supplied to the feed motor 32 'are reduced accordingly. The rate of electrode feed will then be reduced until the arc is of the proper length. At this point the voltages produced by the control resistors 15 and 82 may balance, so that the control voltage of the resistor 88 renders the discharge devices sufliciently conductive to feed the electrode I0 at a predetermined rate so as to maintain the arc,

When the arc becomes too short, the voltage across the resistor 15 increases and that of the resistor 82 decreases, so that the conductivity of the discharge devices 44 and 46 will be reduced in response to the changes in the are conditions, so as to effect the operation of the feed motor 32 to decrease the rate of feed and reestablish the predetermined desired are conditions. Likewise, when the arc becomes too long, the voltage across the resistors 15 and 82 varies in the opposite sense, so that the rate of feed of the electrode I0 is increased to reestablish the proper conditions.

Referring particularly to Fig. 2 of the drawings, which illustrates a modification of the system of Fig. 1, the electrode I0 may be energized from a suitable source of alternating current by means of the transformer 22 in a similar manner to that illustrated in Fig. 1. The operation of the feed motor 32 may be controlled in accordance with both the current and voltage conditions of the electrode circuit to both vary the rate and direction of electrode feed in accordance with variations in those conditions.

With a view to controlling the rate and direction of electrode feed, the feed motor 32 may be provided with a separately excited field winding II6 which may be energized from a suitable source, such as, for example, the battery II8,

through a suitable field rheostat H9, and the tio nof current flow through the armature 38,

such as, for example, the electric discharge devices I26, I28, I and I32. The discharge device I26, I28 may be paired in inverse, parallel or anti-parallel relation and connected to one terminal of the transformer 56 and in series with the armature 38 and the center tap 64 of the secondary winding 54 of the control transformer 66, while the d scharge devices I30 and I32 are similarly connected to the other terminal of the transformer.

In order to energize the control grids I34, I38, I38 and I40 of the discharge devices I26, I28, I30 and I32 for suitably controlling the conductivity of the discharge devices in accordance with current and voltage conditions in the electrode circuit, a control circuit I42 may be provided in which grid control voltages proportional to the current and voltage of the electrode circuit and substantially constant bias voltages are produced. To effect control of the electrode III in accordance with current conditions of the electrode circuit, a current transformer 10 having its primary winding energized from the electrode circuit may be connected by means of a transformer H to the alternating-current terminals of rectifying means such as the rectifying circuit 12, the direct-current terminals of which are connected across the control resistor 15 in' the control circuit, so as to produce a current responsive control voltage. former 18 having its primary winding connected to the electrode circuit may be connected to a rectifying circuit for applying a voltage proportional to the voltage of the eelctrode circuit across control resistor 82 of the control circuit. The reactance I44 and condenser I46 may be connected to the rectifier circuits 12 and 80 to remove any ripple and vary the characteristics of the said circuits.

The control resistors 15 and 82 may be connected at one end by a control bus I50 and bridged by relatively high value control resistor I52 so that the voltage across the resistor I52 is the differential between the voltages of the resistors 15 and 82. The control grids I34 and I40 may then be connected to the control resistance I52. by an adjustable contact member I54, and the control grids I36 and I38 by a contact member I56 so that opposed control voltages may be impressed thereon to control the conductivity of the discharge devices.

A suitable negative bias may be applied to the grids of the discharge devices for rendering them non-conductive, by means of control resistors I60 and I62 in the control circuit, which may be connected at one end to the control bus I50 and at the other end to the cathodes I64 and I10 and I66 and I68, respectively, of the discharge devices. The resistors may be energized through suitable rectifier circuits I12 and I14 from control transformers I16 and I18, respectively. Rectifier devices I80, I82 and I84 and I86 may be connected in paired and opposed relation between the resistors I60 and I62 and the cathodes of the discharge devices, so as to effectively insulate the bias circuits of the discharge devices from the motor circuit and permit a substantially constant bias voltage of a predetermined polarity and value to be applied to the devices. Thus the discharge devices I26 and I32 may cooperate to fully rectify the alternating current impulses from the transformer 56 when the voltage of the grids I34 and I40 is of a predetermined value and polarity, and the discharge devices I28 and I30 may likewise cooperate when the voltage of the grids I 36 and I38 is of a predetermined value and polarity to produce a direct current of the opposite polarity.

To energize the electrode circuit and effect operation of the electrode control system. the switch 30 is closed to connect the power transformer 22 to the source of alternating current 'A potential transand effect the energization of the control transformers 56, I16 and I18. Since the electrode circuit is open, the potential transi'ormerJB will be energized, so that a voltage appears across the control resistor 82, while none appears across '5 the control resistor I5. Thus, a voltage is produced in the control circuit I42 which may be applied to the control grids I34 and I40 01 the electric discharge devices I26 and I32 to overcome the negative bias voltage, through the circo cuit from the control grids I34 and I40, through conductor I90, movable contact I54, control resistor I52, contact member I92, control resistor 82, control bus I50, control resistor I62, conductor I94, rectifier device I84, and conductor I96, to the cathodes I10 and I64 oi the discharge devices I32 and I26. The discharge devices I28 and I32 are thereby rendered alternately conductive on opposite halves of the alternating current wave to supply a fully rectified direct current to the armature 38 of the feed motor 82,

, through the circuit extending from alternate halves of the secondary winding 54, through the discharge devices I26 and I32, conductor I96, armature 38, series field winding 34, and conductor I98 to the center tap 64, so as to feed the electrode I0 towards the work I2.

Upon the engagement of the electrode I0 with the work I2, the voltage of the electrode circuit is greatly reduced, and a relatively large current 0 flows therein. Accordingly, the voltage across the control resistor 82 is greatly reduced, while a relatively high voltage is produced across the control resistor 15. Thus the polarity of the differential voltage across the resistor I52 is reversed. The voltage applied to the control grids I34 and I becomes sufilciently negativ so that the discharge devices I26 and I32 cease to conduct. At the same time a voltage is applied to the control grids I36 and I38 of the discharge devices I28 and I30 through the circuit extending from the control grids I36 and I38, through conductor 200, movable contact I56, control resistor I52, contact member 202, control resistor I5, control bus I50, and then through control resistor I 60, conductor 204 and rectifier I82 to the cathode I66 of the discharge device I28, and resistor I62, conductor I94 and rectifier I86 to the cathode I68 of the discharge device I30. The discharge devices I28 and I30 are thus rendered alternately conductive to supply a direct current to the armature 38 of the feed motor 32 to operate the feed motor in the reverse direction and withdraw the electrode I0 from the work I2 50 as to strike an are.

Immediately after striking the arc, the current in the electrode circuit commences to decrease, while the voltage of the electrode circuit com-'- mences to increase. The voltage across the control resistor I52 and the voltages applied to the control grids I34, I40 and I36, I38 vary accordingly. The contact members I92 and 202 may be so adjusted that when predetermined are conditions exist, the voltages across the control resistors I5 and 82 are equal, the voltage across the control resistor I52 is zero, and the discharge devices I26, I32 and I28, I30 are rendered nonconductive by means 01 the negative voltage bias applied to their control grids through the control resistors I60 and I62, so as to stop the elec- 7o trode feed. By adjustment of the contact members I92 and 202, the voltage across the resistor may be varied, if desired, so as to render the discharge devices I26 and I32 sufiiciently conductive to effect the operation of the feed motor 82 to feed the electrode I0 toward the work I2 at substantially the same rate at which the electrode is being consumed, when predetermined are conditions exist in the electrode circuit.

Upon variations in the electrode circuit conditions from the predetermined desired conditions, the voltages impressed across the control resistors I5 and 82 also vary, and the value and the polarity of the voltage across the control resistor I52 vary accordingly. Thus, if the arc becomes shorter than a predetermined normal value, the current in the electrode circuit mcreases and the voltage or the electrode circuit decreases. The differential between the voltages of the control resistors I5 and 82 and the voltage across the control resistor I52 then becomes eifective either to render the discharge devices I28 and I30 conductive to withdraw the electrode from the work so as to increase the length of the arc to the desired value, or to reduce the conductivity of the discharge devices I28 and I32 so as to reduce the rate of feed of the electrode toward the work, depending on the adjustment of the contact members I92 and 202.

If the length of the arc exceeds the predetermined normal value the voltage across the control resistor 82 increases, while the voltage across the control resistor I5 decreases, so that the dilferential voltage across the control resistor I52 varies in the opposite sense, and is of the opposite polarity. The discharge devices I28, I32 are then rendered conductive to feed the electrode I0 towards the work so as to shorten the length of the are, or the conductivity thereof is increased, depending on the adjustment of the contact members I92 and 202. Depending on the degree of the variations in the arc length, the changes in the voltage across the control resistors 15 and 82 vary accordingly to effect corresponding changes in the conductivity of the discharge devices so as to vary the value of the direct current supplied to the feed motor and vary the rate of electrode feed to produce the desired arc conditions.

Referring particularly to Fig. 3, which illustrates a modification of the control system illustrated in Fig. 2, the electric discharge devices I 26, I32 and I28, I30 may be connected in paired relation in a well-known manner so as to provide for complete rectification of the alternating current from the separate secondary windings 2I0 and 2I2 of the control transformer 2, for controlling the operation of the feed motor 32 in opposite directions. For example, the windings 2I0 and 2I2 of the transformer 2 may be provided with center taps 2I6 and 2I8, respectively, and the armature 32 may be connected in series circuit relation between the center taps and the cathodes of the discharge devices associated with each winding so as to be energized from the windings 2I0 and 2I2 in opposite senses.

The control grids I34, I40 and I38, I38 oi the respective pairs of discharge devices may be connected together, and separately energized from a control circuit I42in the manner much similar to that hereinbefore described in connection with Fig. 2, so as to control theoperation of the feed motor 32 to vary both the rate and direction of feed of the electrode I0 to strike and maintain an are between the electrode and the work I2,

I as hereinbefore described in detail.

Instead 0!, however, utilizing a common source of variable control voltage, such as in the system shown in Fig. 2, separate sources may be provided for the controlcircuit I42 so as to more completely isolate the grid circuits of the diiferent pairs of discharge devices from each other. The potential transformer I8 may be provided with a split secondary winding, each section being connected to a rectifier circuit 80. Similarly, the current transformer 10 may be connected to a step-up transformer 1| having a split secondary winding, each section of which is connected to a rectifier circuit I2. Control resistors I! and 82 may be connected in bridge relation across the respective pairs of rectifier circuits I2 and 80 as in Fig. 2. Control resistors 22!! may be connected across the respective pairs of resistors I5 and 82 to provide an adjustable connection from the respective pairs of grids. Separate sources of bias potential, such as the resistors I60 and I62, which may be energized from control transformers I16 and I18 through rectifier circuits I12 and I'M, may also be provided for applying a negative bias voltage to the grids I34 and I40 and I36 and I38 respectively, to render the discharge devices non-conductive.

The operation of the control system of Fig. 3 is otherwise substantially the same as that of the system of Fig. 2, which has been described in detail. The pairs of discharge devices I26, I32 and I28, I30 may be selectively rendered conductive or non-conductive to control the feed motor 32 so as to feed the electrode III in either direction or hold it stationary, depending on both the current and voltage conditions of the arc circuit, and the relative adjustment of the contact members 222 on the respective resistors 220.

In view of the foregoing description, it will be apparent that I have provided a simple and effective control system for a movable electrode. Both the rate and direction of electrode feed may be readily controlled in accordance with conditions in the electrode circuit. Since the current and voltage conditions in an electrode circuit for maintaining an are normally vary in the opposite directions, by controlling the rate of electrode feed in response to variations in both the current and voltage conditions of the electrode circuit, a highly sensitive control system is obtained. Control of the arc may be had to maintain a predetermined power in the electrode circuit in this manner. By utilizing electrode feed motor control means of the electric discharge type, control of the feed motor in response to the current and voltage changes may be readily and accurately secured. Thus, I have, by my invention, provided a simple and inexpensive method of accurately controlling the rate of electrode feed which may be readily effected and inexpensively maintained.

Since certain changes may be made in the above description, and different embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, it is intended that all matter shown in the accompanying drawings or contained in the above description shall be considered as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

I claim as my invention:

1. A movable electrode system comprising, a movable electrode having an energizing circuit therefor, a feed motor operatively connected to the electrode, means for producing a substantially constant electromotive force, means for producing an electromotive force responsive to current conditions in the electrode energizing circuit, means for producing an electromotive force responsive to voltage conditions of the electrode trol electrode controlled by applying a voltage to said control electrode thereof for controlling the operation of the feed motor, and circuit means for producing a resultant of the electromotive forces and applying it to the control electrode, said voltage responsive voltage opposing the current responsive voltage to render the control means conductive. 5

2. The combination with a movable electrode of actuating means for the electrode, an energizing circuit for the electrode, means for producing an electromotive force proportional to the current in ducing an sive to voltage conditions of the energizing circuit, means for producing a substantially constant electromotive force, a contr circuit means for applying the resultant of said electromotive forces to the electric discharge means.

3. The combination with a work circuit for supplying electrical energy to a movable memfeeding the member, means for producing 8. voltage proportional to the voltage of the work circuit, means for producing a voltage proportional to the current in the work circuit, means for producing a substantially constant voltage, a plurality of electrode controlled electric discharge devices connected for controlling the energization of the actuating means, and circuit means for superimposing the said voltages with the current responsive voltage opposing the others and applying the resultant to the electrodes of the discharge devices.

'4. An electrode control system comprising a movable electrode, actuating means for the electrode, an electrode circuit, means for producing an electromotive force in response to a voltage condition in the electrode circuit, means for producing an electromotive force in response to a trode circuit, means for producing a voltage proportional to the current in the electrode circuit, means including an electric discharge device having a control electrode for controlling the actuating means to vary the rate and direction of electrode feed, and circuit means for applying the said voltages to the control electrode in opposed relation.

6. An electrode feed control for a movable electrode having an energizing circuit and reversible actuating means for feeding the electrode to strike and maintain an arc with work energizing circuit, control means having a concomprising, means including grid controlled electric discharge means for controlling the operation of the actuating means, means for procontrol the rate and direction of feed of the electrode.

7. The combination with apparatus including a movable member, reversible actuating means operatively connected to the member, and a work circuit for connecting the member to a source of electrical power, of electric discharge means including a control electrode for controlling the operation of the actuating means in one direction, additional electric discharge meansincluding a control electrode for controlling the operation of the actuating means in the opposite direction, means for producing a voltage responsive to current conditions in the work circuit, means for producing an opposing voltage responsive to voltage conditions of the work circuit, means for producing a substantially constant control voltage, and means for superimposing said voltages on the control electrodes with the current and voltage responsive voltages in opposed relation for controlling the electric discharge devices in response to the resultant of the said voltages.

8. The combination with a movable electrode having actuating means and an electrode circuit in which it is adapted to strike and maintain an arc, of means for producing an electromotive force responsive to the current in the electrode circuit, means for producing an opposing electromotive force responsive to a voltage condition of the electrode circuit, means for producing a substantially constant electromotive force, electric discharge means having control electrodes for controlling the energization of the actuating means connected between the actuating means and a source of alternating current, circuit means connecting the voltage producing means to the control electrodes for controlling the rate of operation of the actuating means, said current responsive voltage opposing the others and tending to render the discharge means non-conductive, and control means responsive to current conditions in the electrode circuit for controlling the connections between the discharge means and the actuating means to control the direction of operation of the actuating means.

9. An electrode system comprising, a movable electrode member, a reversible feed motor operatively connected to the electrode member, an electrode circuit for connecting the electrode to a source of alternating current, grid-controlled electric discharge means for controlling the energization of the feed motor, electro-responsive means operable in response to predetermined current conditions in the electrode circuit to control the connection of the feed motor to the grid controlled discharge means so as to vary the direction of electrode feed, a control circuit for energizing the grid of the discharge means to control the output thereof, means for producing in the control circuit a direct current voltage responsive to current conditions in the electrode circuit, means for producing in the control circuit an opposing direct current voltage responsive to voltage conditions in the electrode circuit,

and means for producing in the control circuit a voltage of a value suflicient to maintain a predetermined rate of electrode feed when the current and voltage conditions of the electrode circuit are of a predetermined value.

10. An electrode control system for a movable electrode having, a feed motor operatively connected therewith and an electrode circuit for supplying electrical energy thereto comprising, means for producing a direct current electromotive force proportional to the current in the electrode circuit, means for producing an opposing direct-current electromotive force proportional to the voltage of the electrode circuit, means for producing a substantially constant direct current electromotive force, an energizing circuit for connecting the feed motor to a source of alternating current, electric discharge means having a control electrode operable to control the flow of current in the energizing circuit in one direction, additional electric discharge means having a control electrode operable to control the flow of current in the energizing circuit in the opposite direction, and circuit means for applying said electromotive forces to the control electrodes with the current and voltage electromotive forces in opposed relation for controlling the operation of the electric discharge means in accordance with the resultant of the electromotive forces to control the directionand rate of electrode feed.

11. A control system for a movable electrode having a feed motor operatively connected therewith and an electrode circuit for energizing the electrode comprising, electric discharge means for connecting the feed motor to a source of electrical energy provided with a control grid for controlling the flow of current therethrough in one direction, additional electric discharge means for connecting the feed motor to the source of electrical energy provided with a control grid for controlling the current flow therethrough in the opposite direction, a control circuit, means for producing in the control circuit a direct current voltage responsive to differential between current and voltage conditions of the electrode circuit, means for producing in the control circuit a substantially constant direct current control voltage, and means for connecting the control circuit to the control grids to vary the magnitude and direction of flow of the feed motor current.

12. The combination with a movable electrode having reversible actuating means and an electrode circuit for connecting it to a source of current, of electric discharge means for controlling the operation of the actuating means in one direction, additional electric discharge means for controlling the operation of the actuating means in the opposite direction, control means associated with the electric discharge means to selectively render the discharge means conductive and vary the magnitude of the current flow therethrough, means for producing a voltage responsive to voltage conditions or the electrode circuit, means for producing an opposing voltage responsive to current conditions in the electrode circuit, means for producing a substantially constant control voltage, circuit means for superimposing said voltages in opposed relation and means for applying the resultant of the said voltages to the control means to effect operation of the actuating means to feed the electrode in one direction at a predetermined speed under normal current and voltage conditions in the electrode circuit and vary the speed and direction of electrode feed in response to variations in the circuit conditions of the electrode circuit.

13. In a control system for an electrode having an associated electrode circuit, in combination, a reversible feed motor, a pair of electrode controlled electric discharge devices connected for energizing the feed motor to operate in one direction, an additional pair of electrode controlled electric discharge devices connected for energizing the reed motor to operate in the other direction, means for producing a variable voltage responsive to the voltage of the electrode circuit, additional means for producing a substantially constant bias voltage, circuit means for applying said voltages in opposed relation to the electrodes of the first-mentioned pair of discharge devices for controlling the conductivity of the first-mentioned pair of discharge devices to eflect feed of the electrode in one direction, means for superimposing a separate bias potential and a variable voltage responsive to the current in the electrode circuit in opposed relation, and circuit means to apply the resultant voltage to the electrodes of the said additional pair of discharge devices for controlling the conductivity of the additional pair of discharge devices in opposition to that of the first-mentioned pair.

CYRIL C. LEVY. 

